MCTD

Medical abbreviation · Musculoskeletal & Rheumatology

MCTD
Stands forMixed connective tissue disease
CategoriesMedical

MCTD stands for Mixed connective tissue disease, a musculoskeletal & rheumatology abbreviation.

Overlap syndrome combining features of lupus, systemic sclerosis and polymyositis, defined by high levels of anti-U1 RNP antibodies. Typical early signs are Raynaud phenomenon, puffy hands, arthritis and muscle inflammation.

Example: Puffy hands, Raynaud's and myositis with anti-U1 RNP 1:5,120: MCTD.

Usage notes

First described by Gordon Sharp and colleagues in 1972. Some patients evolve over time into a more defined disease such as SSc or SLE. Pulmonary hypertension is the leading cause of death, so regular echocardiograms are recommended. Pronounced as letters.

More musculoskeletal & rheumatology abbreviations

  • IMN – Intramedullary nail
  • ITBS – Iliotibial band syndrome
  • JIA – Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
  • LBP – Low back pain
  • LCPD – Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease
  • LSS – Lumbar spinal stenosis
  • MSU – Monosodium urate
  • MTSS – Medial tibial stress syndrome
  • MUA – Manipulation under anesthesia
  • NOF – Neck of femur (fracture)
  • OA – Osteoarthritis
  • OCD – Osteochondritis dissecans

See all 71 musculoskeletal & rheumatology abbreviations →

Edited by the AbbreviationList.com team. Spotted an error or a missing meaning? Contact us.

This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.